A CAMPAIGN has been launched to mark the moment the Blitz came to a small Teesside community after its anniversary passed unnoticed by all but a few eyewitnesses who remain.

It was 62 years ago this weekend that South Bank was hit by the first German bombing raid.

No one was killed in the initial attack, but eight Dorman Long steel workers were injured and three were taken to hospital.

"No one under 50 or 60 will know about it, but it is part of our history,'' said taxi driver Ian McPherson, who is campaigning to have a plaque installed to the memory of residents who were killed in subsequent raids.

Thirteen bombs were dropped in the first raid. One landed on the common behind Aire Street, demolishing a home-made shelter and extensively damaging houses in the terrace. Another fell on South Bank football ground.

There will be few who remember the frantic but successful attempts to play a football match on the afternoon of May 25, 1940.

Special Constable John Roberts, who is 93 years old next month, was roused by his brother returning home from night shift.

Mr Roberts said: "He said you want to get down, Jerry has dropped a bomb on the ground. He had dropped one sure enough, almost spot on the penalty spot. It was quite a big hole.

"We had a match that afternoon and so had to fill the hole in. South Bank football team played in the league then.''

In an effort to get the game played, he called out members of the club committee. The Bugg family and the Francis boys whose family ran the sweet shop, also helped.

"The lads from across the road, Queen Street and Redcar Road turned out, they were all there,'' recalled Mr Roberts.

"We brought in everyone we could. We had to fill in the hole and mark it out again before the match. We had to go round everywhere for that soil."

South Bank residents, including Mr Roberts, are upset that the anniversary passed unnoticed.

Council leader David Walsh said: "It could be an idea of bringing the history of South Bank alive to local people and I will talk to local councillors to see whether the Single Regeneration Budget board might be of assistance."